Emulsion foam reducer for wet processing of cellulose or woodbased products or in food processing

Abstract

An emulsion is provided for defoaming water used in processing of various products such as cellulose or wood-based products or in food processing which is formed by reacting a fatty acid with a compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, sodium, potassium and combinations thereof so as to form a water soluble soap, dispersing the water soluble soap in water and homogenizing the dispersed water soluble soap with hydrophobic oil or hydrocarbon oil to produce the emulsion. Methods for preparing the emulsion and using the emulsion are also provided. The emulsion is advantageous in that it can improve water resistance and / or reduce the use of water resistant additives during processing of cellulose or wood-based products or food-grade products.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 117,934, filed Feb. 18, 2015, said application being incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates in general to a method of reducing foam and entrained air in industrial water processes with an efficient and low cost defoamer / antifoaming agent. The present invention can also contribute to improved water resistance or reduced use of water resistant additives when used in wet process cellulose or wood based products. The invention can also be used in food processing, in particular for treatments employing alum (aluminum sulfate) and other similar compounds, e.g., in pickle processing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Foam and entrained air are problems that affect processing efficiency and product quality in a number of industries. These industries can include manufacturing processes for food gr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a new defoamer emulsion that can be used in the manufacturing of wood-based products. The emulsion contains a soap called Aluminum Stearate which helps to disrupt bubbles and improve water resistance. The emulsion can be made using different types of fatty acids and ammonia, sodium, or potassium. By using this new emulsion, manufacturers can achieve better water resistance specifications while reducing the amount of wax or other additives. The emulsion is stable and can be used in the manufacturing process without interfering with water resistance. The method also reduces air emissions and allows for improved water resistance in the final product. Overall, this patent provides a more effective and cost-efficient way to manufacture wood-based products with improved water resistance.

Problems solved by technology

Foam and entrained air are problems that affect processing efficiency and product quality in a number of industries.

Foam and entrained air are particular costly problems within the pulp and paper industries.

Foam and entrained air reduces efficiency and impacts surface quality of paper, paperboard and other wet process wood based products.

These small particles, when in contact with the bubble, thin the bubble at the point of contact and causes bubble to pop.

One of the problems with some current defoaming emulsions is the emulsion has to have a sufficiently high viscosity to keep hydrophobic particles suspended.

This can cause difficulty in pumping, particularly if some of the suspended particles settle out.

Another issue is the soaps used to make these defoamer emulsions have a negative effect on the level of water resistance produced in fiberboard, hardboard and cellulose based products made with the wet process.

Defoamers that are not an emulsion also may have a negative impact on the level of water resistance produced due to inclusion of wetting agents and detergents.

If manufactured board does not have a sufficient water resistance property it will swell, change dimensions, degrade and can be expensive to replace in a building.

High water absorption in manufactured board causes board to grow in dimensions, lose strength, and degrade when exposed to moisture.

This opacity condition will limit process line speeds and limits production rates driving up costs.

High volatile materials contribute to opacity and smoke and can cause manufacturing plants to exceed emission limits.

This can limit production and productivity if not addressed with raw material selection.